It is a neurodegenerative disease which causes the loss of neurons in the brain particularly in the cortex area. It is also known as senile dementia. Dementia is the main cause of Alzheimer disease which is actually is a syndrome consists of poor memory and difficulty in learning. People with Alzheimer disease may have trouble remembering things that happened recently in their lives. Over time, they will not be able to recognize their own family members, friends or people around them with trouble in speaking, reading or writing. It can affect their daily social activities and directly their psychological and emotional and social well being.

CAUSES:

It is caused due to plaques and tangles deposits of the protein named amyloid and tau around and within the brain cells in an abnormal fashion. People with Alzheimer disease have low levels of the neurotransmitter –acetylcholine in the brain. It begins slowly at first involves the part of the brain that controls thought, memory and language.

RISK FACTORS:

• Old age
• Family history
• Gene –e4 allele apolipoprotein E
• Underlying neurological disorder
• Untreated depression
• Sedentary lifestyle

SYMPTOMS:

• Poor memory of recent events in their life.
• Distorted speech
• Sudden confusion about normal things.
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Not able to remember even simple things such as names, their way to the workplace.
• Will have difficulty in making plans or decisions.
• Aggression
• Sudden mood changes like having a suspicion of others
• Hallucinations
• Delusional
• Anxiety
• Disturbed sleep pattern

DIAGNOSIS:

• Diagnosis can be made on the symptoms itself by the doctor/psychologist by asking the patient about the family history, past medical conditions, changes in behavior, lifestyle, about the ability to care daily activities.
• CT SCAN, MRI, PET scanning of the brain can rule out other causes.
• Tests that include testing of important brain function such as attention, memory, problem-solving, counting, speech.

TREATMENT:

• The role of a psychologist is the most important to assess the memory and the thinking problems to counsel them that helps in improving their daily life.
• Medications include cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine and meantime that will help in preventing acetylcholine break down which is an important transmitter for controlling memory, thinking, speech.
• ART AND MUSIC THERAPY: it stimulates the senses and improve the mood, behavior, daily activities and trigger memories and has proven to be quite effective.
• NDMA receptor antagonist is also a great option to improve learning and memory.
• GERIATRICIAN: will be really helpful for treating and taking care of older individuals.
• Exercise, specific diet and cognitive training will help in the long run.
• NEUROLOGIST: will conduct all the tests including a brain scan to confirm the underlying neurological cause and treat it accordingly.